We have a surprising amount of news to share this early into the summer. DMPS is getting ready to co-host the National Speech and Debate Tournament starting this weekend, we welcome a new Chief Academic Officer and Director of Middle Schools, we say goodbye to a beloved principal, the Railsplitters make softball history on the Field of Dreams, the 2024 commencement videos are ready to view, and so much more. Read on for summer opportunities for students, job opportunities for adults, and much more. | |
|
DMPS CO-HOSTS NATIONAL TOURNAMENT
Des Moines Public Schools is excited to be one of the hosts of both the 2024 and 2025 National Speech & Debate Tournament, expected to welcome more than 10,000 visitors to the Des Moines metro starting during the summer starting this weekend through June 21. Student champions from schools around the country and right here at DMPS will compete at Roosevelt and East high schools and Hiatt Middle School. Click here to see the news release announcing the partnership.
| |
|
DR. ROBERT LUNDIN: NEW CHIEF ACADEMIC OFFICER
Please join us in welcoming Dr. Robert Lundin as the district’s new Chief Academic Officer. Dr. Lundin started his decades-long career in the classroom, is bilingual, and has state and international education leadership experience. He started his work with DMPS in May following School Board approval. Click here to read more about Dr. Lundin on our website.
| |
|
DR. KABRINA JOHNSON: MIDDLE SCHOOL DIRECTOR
Des Moines Public Schools is pleased to announce Dr. Kabrina R. Johnson will be joining the district as the new Director of Middle Schools. She arrives in Des Moines with three master's degrees in addition to her Ed.D. and two decades of experience as an educator and leader. Click here to read more about Dr. Johnson on our website.
| |
|
BRODY MIDDLE SCHOOL, DMPS MOURNS PRINCIPAL
We are heartbroken to share that Thomas Hoffman, principal of Brody Middle School for 12 years, passed away following an illness. Thomas, 57, was loved by his students and staff and will be greatly missed. As Superintendent Dr. Ian Roberts said, "Mr. Hoffman leaves a proud legacy at Brody." The school plans a tribute to Thomas when classes resume in August.
| |
|
RAILSPLITTERS PLAY ON NATION'S FAMOUS FIELD
Lincoln High School’s Railsplitters along with Iowa City High’s Little Hawks made history on Wednesday, June 12th by playing the first sanctioned high school softball game on one of America’s most famous fields - the Field of Dreams in Dyersville, IA. It was an unforgettable game and history lesson. Click here to read and see more about their big night on our website.
| |
|
CONGRATULATIONS ON A GREAT SEASON HUSKIES!
Congratulations to the Hoover High School Boys Soccer Team for a great season! The Huskies fell 3-2 against Dallas Center-Grimes in overtime during the Class 3A final of the State Tournament in their first trip to the championship match. They had an exciting run in 2024 and we look forward to seeing how far they go next year! Click here to see photos of the championship match.
| |
|
DMPS HOSTING BIGGEST JOB FAIR OF THE YEAR!
Des Moines Public Schools Talent and Personnel office is hosting the biggest job fair of the year on Thursday, June 27.
Now Hiring for the 2024-25 School Year:
- Custodians
- Food Service
- Bus Drivers and Associates
- Metro Kids (childcare)
- Special Education Associates
You have the potential to apply, interview, and be hired all in one day. Join our team at Roosevelt High School, 4419 Center Street from 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Click here to learn more about the opportunities available at Des Moines Public Schools.
| |
|
FREE SUMMER MEALS OFFERED AT 27 LOCATIONS
Des Moines Public Schools is offering free meals at more than two-dozen locations throughout the district thanks to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Summer Food Service Program and Iowa Department of Education grant. The program provides nutritious meals for all children ages 18 and younger at no cost. DMPS has been providing free summer meals for more than 40 years. Click here for times and locations.
| |
|
FREE EYE EXAMS AVAILABLE ON MONDAY
Vision to Learn and The Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Iowa are offering free eye exams and prescription glasses for children ages K-12. No insurance is needed but an appointment is required. Limited appointments remain. Click here to access a flyer with a QR code to sign up.
| |
|
FREE BACK-TO-SCHOOL PHYSICALS AT DMU
The Des Moines University Clinic is offering no-cost back-to-school physicals for students on Tuesday, July 30 and Wednesday, July 31 from 12:00 - 5:00 p.m. Translators will be available, and every participating student receives a free backpack. No appointments are necessary. Click here to see the flyer in Spanish. Click here to see the flyer in English.
| |
|
RIDERS COMPLETE SOFTBALL FIELD RENOVATION
Just before their doubleheader against the Lincoln Railsplitters, the Roosevelt Roughriders held a brief celebration to acknowledge completed renovations of the softball facilities on Monday, June 11th. The $180,000 renovations include new dugouts, new visitor bullpen, restored home bullpen, new infield and drains, restoration of the bleacher area, new utilities including electrical and bottle filler in each dugout, and a renovated warning track. Roosevelt won all four games: 4-1 & 7-3 for softball and 4-2 & 10-0 in baseball. Click here to see more photos on our Flickr page.
| |
|
WILLIAMS ENDOWMENT AWARDS SCHOLARSHIP
The Paul and Catherine Williams Scholarship was established in 2021 for North High School students of color pursuing a college degree. This year's honoree is North senior Pleyiwon Forfor. Thomas Clinton, Catherine's nephew, and the North High Alumni Foundation were at the school to present Pleyiwon with the award. Pleyiwon will receive $10,000 a year for four years while attending Dartmouth College in New Hampshire. Learn more about the Williams' generous gift to future Polar Bears. Click here to see photos on our Flickr page.
| |
|
COMMUNITY EDUCATION RELEASES SUMMER CATALOG
DMPS Community Education hopes to be among your summer plans! They offer free & fee-based educational classes, cultural and enrichment workshops, camps and clinics. Specific offerings include music, dance, cheer, and art classes, cooking, sports, and many other opportunities to learn while having fun this summer. Click here to learn more and register!
| |
|
SUMMER FUN: HAVE YOU CHECKED YOUR BACKPACK?
Summer break is fast approaching, and our Virtual Backpack is filling up with fun things to do. Parents: check it out to find camps, programs and activities for your children this summer. New items are being added almost daily. Click here to look at your student's Virtual Backpack.
| |
|
PRESCHOOL REGISTRATION FOR THE FALL
Studies continue to show that children who participate in preschool do better in math and reading. All of the DMPS preschool sites are staffed by certified teachers, the leading indicator of quality programming that holds to strict standards and is research-based. DMPS has again expanded its preschool offerings, now offering preschool at 16 locations and many more partner sites. Click here to explore your options.
| |
|
DM PUBLIC LIBRARY SUMMER READING CHALLENGE
Sign up online or in person at any Des Moines library to start reading and earning prizes! When you register for the Summer Reading Challenge, you'll immediately receive a free book! Work your way through our challenge program by reading for 20 minutes or completing various learning activities. Once the challenge is complete, turn in your worksheet and you'll get a small prize and be eligible for the big prizes in our end-of-summer drawing. Click here to learn more on the library's website.
| |
VIDEO AND PHOTO GALLERY OF THE WEEK | |
Enroll today at Des Moines Public Schools! | |
|
Recent items in the news media about or of interest for students, teachers, and parents at Des Moines Public Schools.
-
Thomas Hoffman was a beloved member of the DMPS community and the principal of Brody Middle School. As the Des Moines Register reports, he sadly passed away after an illness. Click here to read Kyle Werner's report.
-
As we also noted above, the Minnesota Vikings offered free football camps at Mediacom Stadium this month. The Des Moines Register reports the camp was organized to increase interest in football and flag football, which DMPS hopes one day can be a sanctioned sport in Iowa. Click here to read Gus Martin's story.
-
For years, DMPS has fed kids when school is out through a summer meals program. This year we're at 28 locations across the city. WHO-TV goes behind the scene to talk with the people who do this important and meaningful work. Click here to see Channel 13's report.
| |
UPCOMING DATES AND EVENTS | |
|
June 18
Downtown School Only - Last Day of School
| |
|
June 19
Juneteenth Holiday - Offices closed
| |
|
July 4
Independence Day Holiday - Offices closed
| |
It is the policy of the Des Moines Community School District not to illegally discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, religion, creed, age (for employment), marital status (for programs), sexual orientation, gender identity and socioeconomic status (for programs) in its educational programs and its employment practices. There is a grievance procedure for processing complaints of discrimination. If you believe you have (or your child has) been discriminated against or treated unjustly at school, please contact Carol Wynn-Green, 2100 Fleur Drive, Des Moines, IA 50321; phone: 515-242-7709; email: carol.wynngreen@dmschools.org.
| | | | |
